For many of us the early Sun Records era Elvis featuring his acoustic rhythm guitar playing not only defined the look of rock n roll but also its sound and drive. Imitators come and go but we offer up a completely fresh tribute to Elvis by GRAMMY winners, Rock Stars, and renowned guitarists from around the world. These rootsy, bluesy, folky and even experimental versions of some of his classic tunes are in keeping with his love of those musical styles and his trend setting persona.

 

THE MATCHING BOOK with all the transcriptions is also NOW IN STOCK!

 

All Shook Up - Pat Donohue
Mystery Train - Al Petteway
Can't Help Falling In Love with You - Doug Smith
Suspicious Minds - Laurence Juber
Don't - Tim Pacheco
Heartbreak Hotel - Kenny Sultan
Little Sister - Mike Dowling
Don't Be Cruel - Benjamin Verdery
Love Me Tender - Brooks Williams
Loving You - Elliott Easton
Hound Dog - Al Petteway
Jailhouse Rock - Eltjo Haselhoff
Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Jim Tozier
Viva Las Vegas - Doug Smith and Mark Hanson

Various Artists, "A Guitar For Elvis," Solid Air Records 2010

What do you get when you take a dozen great guitarists playing the music of the King? A whole lotta fine picking! "A Guitar for Elvis" is the latest in a string of excellent acoustic compilations from Solid Air Records (including the Grammy-winning "Pink Guitar"). What’s not to like? You get many of Elvis’ most famous and most-loved songs played by people like Laurence Juber, Al Petteway, Pat Donohue, and Doug Smith (to name only 4). All you miss is Elvis’ voice, but on every song, you’ll find yourself singing anyway. The disc begins in the capable hands of Donohue, whose rendition of "All Shook Up" gets your toe tapping like when Elvis was shakin’ up on stage. Al Petteway shines on 2 songs – rollicking through "Mystery Train," with power and groove, and getting funky on "Hound Dog." Benjamin Verdery brings the color of nylon strings to his take on "Don’t be Cruel," including harmonics and minor-chord progressions in his introduction. The fine singer-songwriter Brooks Williams shows his ability to create elegant guitar arrangements on "Love Me Tender." Nothing unexpected here, just a fine version of this lovely ballad. Kenny Sultan is a blues force on "Heartbreak Hotel," while Mike Dowling lets his National wail and moan on "Little Sister." On "Can’t Help Falling in Love," Doug Smith brings his signature lush sound to another memorable Elvis ballad. Laurence Juber takes on a classic from Elvis’ later catalog, "Suspicious Minds," and makes it work to perfection. Doug Smith comes back on the CD’s last tune with Mark Hanson on a ripping duet version of "Viva Las Vegas." It’s a great way to leave this tribute to the King. Any fan of the music of Elvis Presley will want this record.
© Kirk Albrecht/ Minor 7th.com